Mohammed Shosanya

The Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, has restated its commitment to promoting projects and programmes that would guarantee food security and sustainable growth in the Niger Delta region.

A statement by Seledi Thompson-Wakama,Director, Corporate Affairs quoted the Delta state representative on the NDDC board, Chief Monday Igbuya stated this at the flag-off of a training and empowerment programme for women and youths in livestock farming and agro-processing at Amukpe, in Sapele Local Government Area of Delta State.

Igbuya,who described the training as capable of improving both the socio-economic lives and promoting peace in the region, explained that the decision by the NDDC to prioritize training on livestock training was also in line with President Ahmed Bola Tinubu Renewed Hope Agenda of developing capacity.

He said: “The Niger Delta Development Commission, as an interventionist body has a policy thrust of promoting programmes that would guarantee food security and agricultural growth in multi-sectoral areas as a way of improving the living standards of the people. This is because for any socio economic development to take place, there is need to develop manpower in the agricultural sector.”

He also called on the various state governments in the region to emulate the Commission in improving the lives of the people , which according to him could serve as a panacea to restiveness.

He enjoined the participants to take advantage of the training programme and to judiciously utilise the start-up package that would be presented to them to invest in agriculture.

In her remarks, the NDDC Director, Agriculture and Fisheries, Mrs. Winifred Madume said that the Commission had empowered farmers and entrepreneurs with necessary skills and knowledge to enhance their productivity and market access.

She added that the NDDC had been promoting research and development through various institutions, as well as providing farming techniques to various beneficiaries.

She described livestock production as a means of addressing food insecurity, employment generation and poverty reduction.

Madume called on the trainees to utilize the knowledge and skills acquired during the training and empowerment programme to transform the agricultural sector.

The Consultant of the project, Dr. Simon Akhaine, said that 200 women and youths would be trained in livestock and other agro-businesses to provide them with the requisite knowledge and skills to be self-sufficient in livestock farming, and also improve food security in the region.

He said: “The training will further impart our women and youths with the technical know-how from the competent resource persons that have been put together for this training programme with a ripple effect of achieving self- reliance and food sufficiency”.

He commended the NDDC for living up to expectations, adding that arrangements had been concluded to provide the trainees with starter-packs at the end of the training.

Also speaking, the General Operations Manager of Okeimute Farms, the centre of the training programme, Mr. Godwin Ubido assured that the center was well equipped for the training exercise.

Mohammed Shosanya

The Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC in partnership with the International Fund for Agricultural Development, IFAD, had launched an agricultural project for Akwa Ibom, Imo and Rivers states as part of efforts to boost food security in the country.

The project, Livelihood Improvement Family Enterprises, LIFE-ND, was launched in Port Harcourt on Friday, brought together representatives of the federal ministries of agriculture, finance as well as the three states.

Speaking at the launching, the NDDC Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Dr Samuel Ogbuku, said the Life-ND programme aligns with the efforts of President Tinubu’s administration in ensuring food security across the country by declaring a state of emergency on agriculture.

Ogbuku said, “Today’s launch of the Livelihood Improvement Family Enterprises – Niger Delta (LIFE-ND) Project for the three NDDC-funded states of Akwa Ibom, Imo, and Rivers, is more than a ceremony; it is a bold leap into the boundless world of agribusiness.

“This project is not just ploughing through the fields of agribusiness. It is breaking new ground, cultivating opportunities for wealth and stability. And as we launch this initiative, we are ushering in new possibilities. In the past, agribusiness seemed out of reach for many. But today, we bridge that gap, opening the doors to entrepreneurship, financial independence, and sustainable livelihoods.”

Dr. Ogbuku further stated that the LIFE-ND project would transform the lives of over 38,000 direct beneficiaries, but its multiplier effect will surely touch many more across the Niger Delta, stating: “We are reaffirming our commitment to ensuring that our youth and women not only participate in the economy but lead the charge building businesses that uplift their families, their communities, and their futures.

“The partnership with IFAD is a strong vine, one that will continue to grow and bear fruit. With IFAD’s investment of US$60 million and NDDC’s contribution of US$30 million, we are fertilizing the ground for a brighter future.”

Also speaking, the Minister of Finance, Mr. Olawale Edu, stated that the LIFE-ND was a crucial part of the Federal Government’s strategy to address unemployment, boost food security, and unlock the agricultural potential of the Niger Delta.

The Minister, who was represented by a director in his ministry, Mr. Steve Ohaeri, commended the NDDC for coming up with its counterpart fund for the Life-ND project, urging the Commission to ensure the sustainability of the agricultural programme.

Besides,the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari, represented by Dr Peter Kush, acknowledged that the impact of the LIFE-ND project would upscale agriculture-based enterprises, mentoring thousands of apprentices across the Niger Delta region.

The Country Director, International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) Mrs. Dede Ekoue, emphasised the goal of LIFE-ND in promoting youth and women agribusinesses, food security, and inclusive and sustainable economic growth in the Niger Delta’s agri-food sector.

According to her, the collaboration with the NDDC on the project had been a huge success.

“I would like to reiterate that IFAD remains a steadfast partner in supporting the development of sustainable rural livelihoods in the Niger Delta region and Nigeria as a whole.

“We are confident that through continued collaboration and innovation, LIFE-ND will continue to empower rural communities and contribute to a more prosperous and food-secure future for all.”

Earlier, the Governor of Rivers State, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, emphasised that NDDC’s partnership with host communities and more particularly the state government, remained crucial in helping the commission achieve its goals.

Governor Fubara,who was represented by his Special Adviser on Civil Society Relations, Prince Achor, also thanked the NDDC MD for not allowing the commission to continue being an avenue for personal vendetta actualisation.

“I want to charge you the MD of NDDC to try and enter into partnership with your host community, especially your host state, considering the role that State governments play in our land use act.

“I must thank you particularly the MD for not allowing your administration to be used for political vendetta, you are not allowing the NDDC that we used to know to be used for political gains by key actors.”

In his speech, the NDDC Executive Director, Projects, Sir Victor Antai, said that the life-ND project stood as a beacon of hope and progress for Akwa Ibom, Imo, and Rivers States.

“The LIFE-ND project is more than just an initiative; it is a concerted effort to address the challenges faced by our communities and to harness the opportunities for growth and development.

“Our journey towards a more prosperous and sustainable Niger Delta is one defined by shared goals, mutual respect, and the unwavering belief that together, we can overcome the challenges that have long hindered our development.

“Our partnership with IFAD has been instrumental in empowering our farmers and enhancing agricultural productivity. This partnership dates back to 2005 when NDDC supported an initiative of the Federal government with a matching fund with IFAD in the sum of USD15 million for the Community Based Natural Resource Management Programme – Niger Delta (CBNRMP-ND).”

Giving an overview of the project, the National Project Coordinator of LIFE-ND, Dr. Abiodun Sanni, said that the success recorded in the initial six states had set a high standard that would be replicated in the newly funded states of Akwa Ibom, Imo and Rivers.

He added:“For the six states where LIFE-ND (Abia, Bayelsa, Cross River, Delta, Edo and Ondo – IFAD funded) has already taken root, we have seen results that are nothing short of inspiring—10 Local Government Areas per state, 10 communities per LGA, each one a testament to the possibilities when we cultivate the right partnerships and persevere in the face of challenges”.

Mohammed Shosanya

The Olubadan of Ibadanland, H.I.MOba Owolabi Akinloye Olakulehin Ige Olakulehin 1,says Ibadan has enough arable land suitable for agricultural production needing investors.

He said this when he received the Belgian Ambassador to Nigeria, H.E Pieter Leenknegt who paid him a courtesy visit at the new Olubadan Palace located at Oke Aremo in Ibadan on Monday.

The Belgian Ambassador,who was accompanied by the Advisor in Economic Diplomacy for Nigeria, Kingdom of Belgium, Genco Sanli and Manager, Resource Mobilisation, Protocol and External Liaison of International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) Florence Oluwatoyin Oke,had earlier disclosed the Belgian Government’s activities and interventions within Nigerian’s agricultural sector.

Oba Olakulehin,who spoke through the Otun Balogun of Ibadanland, Oba Tajudeen Ajibola, noted that there are vast hectares of arable land in Ibadan suitable and available for agricultural production which require international partnership funding and support to boost food production in the nation.

A statement on Monday,quoted him to have listed some locations of arable land including Egbeda, Ona Ara, Oluyole, Ido, Lagelu and Akinyele local government areas where potentials for large scale production of agricultural products abound in Ibadan land.

He implored the Belgian Ambassador and other investors to tap from the these opportunities waiting to be tapped

“Kabiesi is happy to receive you and your team this morning. Ibadan is one of the largest cities in Africa.We have major resources here in Ibadan. We have vast arable land in Ibadan suitable for agricultural production in large scale quantity.

“Land is available abundantly in Oluyole, Egbeda, Ona Ara, Ido, Lagelu and Akinyele that are suitable for agricultural production. We want you to tap from the opportunity to boost food production especially at this point in our nation”.

In his address, Leenknegtsaid his visit was to tap from the experiences of the Olubadan and the council for a successful foray in Nigeria’s agricultural sector during his tenure in Nigeria.

He added that his visit was also aimed to enhance agricultural production, trade and finance between Nigeria and Belgium.

“We have spent some days at IITA. Agriculture is one of the areas we are working on which is in line with the agenda of the current administration in the country. Cocoa production. We have CRIN in Ibadan. Oyo state has been a major producer of cocoa.

“We want to see how we can boost cocoa production in Nigeria and through this we will enhance trade and finance. This brought me to Oyo state.

“So, I am very glad to be here and I will also be glad to have words of wisdom from you that will guide me for a successful tenure in the office.

Mohammed Shosanya

Oyo State government has commenced artificial insemination training for over 100 livestock farmers in its efforts to boost dairy production as well reduce the cost of meat which is the major source of protein.

Participants at the training include; local farmers, university students, government officials and veterinary technician

The state government through its Agribusiness Development Agency (OYSADA) is currently embarking on the training for the farmers drawn from all the geo-political zones of the state which is aimed at enhancing knowledge on artificial insemination process of livestock production efficiency across the state.

The training workshop is part of OYSADA’s broader agribusiness policy, which seeks to address rising beef prices that have impacted consumers and farmers alike.

The program is a national project supported by the World Bank which onboarded Oyo state through the Oyo State Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support Project (L-PRESS) tagged “Training of Livestock Entrepreneurs and State-Level Officers On Artificial Insemination across Focused Livestock Species.

Addressing newsmen at the 5-Day intensive theoretical and practical training which started on Monday at the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), Ibadan, Dr Debo Akande, the Executive Adviser to Oyo state Governor on Agribusiness International Corporation and Development, who also doubles as the Director General of Oyo State Agribusiness Development Agency (OYSADA) noted, artificial insemination (AI) remains the in-thing across the globe in terms of high yield of livestock production.

He explained that artificial insemination has been done in all the developed countries of the world and that such practice in line with global best practices was not peculiar to Nigeria while stressing that such practice has been ongoing in those countries for many years with testaments of success.

Dr Akande maintained that by adopting advanced reproductive technologies in livestock production such as artificial insemination procedure, Oyo state was already on a path to improving the quality and quantity of beef and cow milk production, thereby making it more affordable for residents.

According him,the training focuses on the technologies and techniques of artificial insemination, a method that allows for the controlled breeding of livestock with superior genetics, such that accelerates the growth of high-quality cattle herds, increase overall productivity, and ensure a more consistent beef and cow milk supply.

Stressing the significance of the training, Dr Akande said artificial insemination represents a leap forward in livestock management and that, by equipping farmers with these skills, the governor Makinde led administration is not only boosting production but also supporting the state’s economic stability.

The training program covered essential topics including reproductive health, semen collection and storage, and insemination techniques. Participants also engaged in hands-on practice to ensure proficiency in the field.

Expressing appreciation to the state governor, Seyi Makinde, for his visionary leadership and approval for the training workshop, Dr Akande noted that the program marks the beginning of a new livestock project in the state that would ensure that residents have access to better quality beef and cow milk in the market at affordable prices.

“We have been rearing goats and cattles for a very long time but we have not been doing it the right way it should be done the modern way. As said earlier, if we want to start getting the best results on our livestock, we need to start adopting modern technologies and techniques. And modern technologies for livestock we’re referring to are many, one of it is what we’re doing training on today which is about Artificial Insemination (AI).

“If we used to get milk of two litters from one animal before, by understanding how to do an artificial insemination of cross breeding, we can start looking at the possibility of getting milk of around nine litters per cow. So, this is about productivity for our livestock where we would be getting more. The meat that we would be getting from these animals will be better meat and then our farmers engaging in livestock will get more money but if we’re talking about Artificial insemination, if we don’t have people that are experts in it, how will they inseminate?

“It’s not all insemination of animals that yields success, but by training these people now, we will have a database of people that can train in artificial insemination and the second thing is that we have people that can do artificial insemination better than the way it used to be done.” Dr Akande said.

Speaking on opening up more opportunity for others outside of Ibadan, the state capital to have access to such critical training, Dr Akande said: “We will be training participants that cuts across all the geopolitical zones of Oyo state so, this is not just about Ibadan alone, it’s going to be held at all the other zones so that if anybody wants to do artificial insemination in any of the zones, they would know who to contact and where to go to do that.

“When we are talking about technologies, these are not just what people wake up one day to say let’s use, it’s something that has gone through rigorous scientific testing for diverse reasons; environmental, health, and so on, and concluding results have shown to us that it is environmentally safe, health wise, it is safe for animals and human consumption, so it does not have any negative impact as being speculated by some people.

“This is just a usual situation such as what would have happened in the normal mating of animals that is now happening through artificial procedures. Even we human being do this to have children when we go for IVF medical procedure.

“At one of the state’s Agribusiness hubs such as Fashola farms in Awe, Oyo, investors and private farmers there are already producing more litters of milk than what they used to have, and in that same hub at Fashola, local people are being trained and they’re now applying the knowledge at their different farms. Dr Akande added.

Participants at the training workshop also expressed diverse expectations and optimism about the program’s potential benefits to them as individuals and the state as a whole.

The State Coordinator Livestock Product Support Project, Mr. Kola Kazeem said, cost of meat in the market would soon reduce because of the ongoing enhanced animal reproduction in the state while noting that the training workshop was the second of its kind since Oyo state was on-boarded at the national level.

The lead resource person at the event, Professor Olofisayo Leigh from the Department of Veterinary, University of Ibadan (UI) lauded the vision by the state government to key into what he also described as the in-thing globally in terms of livestock production for increased meat and cow milk production.

“I’m here for the AI training which is a core area of my professionalism and I’m the lead trainer of this event. I’m here to train them on artificial insemination (AI). AI is a leading technology in animal reproduction. If you want any turn around in animal reproduction, you have to go the way of AI. It’s an assisted reproduction technique and all it does is about cross breeding.

“It’s about improving the breed. The best we can get from our indigenous cattle rear is about 3 to 4 litters of milk in a day whereas in other climes, they get up to 20 to 40 liters of milk in a day. If we have to feed the people in this nation, we have the route of AI.” Professor Leigh said.

Speaking on behalf of members of Oyo Assembly House committee on Agriculture and Rural Development, Honourable Jimoh Lukmon Isola, representing Oorelope state constituency,said the committee was present at the training as part of its oversight function, and commended governor Makinde for his pragmatic approach to governance while also commending OYSADA for the program assuring that the state would immensely benefit from the training in terms of output.

Mohammed Shosanya

Professor Abiodun Raufu, a former editor of Nigerian Tribune and an Assistant Professor at Southern University and A&M College in Louisiana, USA,has advised President Bola Tinubu has to declare a state of emergency in the agriculture sector.

He should also lead the revolution in Nigeria by actively engaging in farming along with other innovative policies that will ensure food sufficiency in the country,he said in a statement on Wednesday

He acknowledged the recent announcement by the federal government to engage in massive food import

He said food import is just a stop-gap measure, arguing that a state of emergency would allow for the mobilization of resources and enable the government to implement swift and comprehensive measures to address the immediate needs of farmers, restore damaged farmlands, improve security in the rural areas and introduce modern agricultural practices that can withstand future challenges.

Lauding the president for directing that all arable military land across the country should be cultivated,Raufu said tackling the challenge of food security is a task that requires the involvement of all Nigerians beginning with the president who must lead by engaging in some form of agriculture himself.

According to him, the First lady has done well by showing her garden farm, but the symbolism associated with the president also engaging in some sort of farming in his spare time can be so powerful and capable of encouraging Nigerians to embrace agriculture at different levels, backyard farming in this difficult period, particularly at this time of the year when rain is in abundance.

“A country like Nigeria with large expanse of arable and fertile land should not be complaining about food shortage and hunger, when countries like Israel and even the United States with less fertile land produces food in excess. With the right agricultural policies and leadership, we should be talking about preservation of excess agricultural produce and its exportation, Professor Raufu said.

“Since difficult times requires un-usual solutions, I will go as far as also suggesting that all political leaders at all levels should also lead by example by engaging in some level of farming to encourage people to join in warding off the hunger and starvation that majority of Nigerians are currently experiencing.

According to him,the government at all levels can tackle the problem of food insecurity through a multi-faceted approach using the local government authorities as the pivot for agricultural revolution by investing heavily in farm machineries, rural development, massive introduction of high yield seeds among other ideas.

Mohammed Shosanya

The President of the African Development Bank Group Dr. Akinwumi Adesina (www.AfDB.org) has said the decision by Nigeria’s government to allow massive food importation risks destroying the country’s agriculture.

This follows the announcement by Nigeria’s Minister for Agriculture Abubakar Kyari on July 10 that the Federal Government would suspend duties, tariffs, and taxes on the importation of maize, husked brown rice, wheat, and cowpeas through the country’s land and sea borders, for 150 days.

“Nigeria’s recently announced policy to open its borders for massive food imports, just to tackle short-term food price hikes, is depressing,” Adesina told African Primates of the Anglican Church at a Retreat in Abuja, Nigeria, on Friday.

He warned that the policy could undermine all the hard work and private investments that have gone into Nigeria’s agriculture sector.

“Nigeria cannot rely on the importation of food to stabilize prices. Nigeria should be producing more food to stabilize food prices, while creating jobs and reducing foreign exchange spending, that will further help stabilize the Naira,” said the African Development Bank president.

“Nigeria cannot import its way out of food insecurity,” he said, “Nigeria must not be turned into a food import-dependent nation.”

Speaking on the theme ‘Food security and financial sustainability in Africa: The role of the Church’, Adesina said Nigeria “must feed itself with pride,” warning, “a nation that depends on others to feed itself, is independent only in name.”

In his opening remarks, the host, His Grace the Most Reverend Henry C. Ndukuba, Primate of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), said the gathering was a unique opportunity for African Anglican leaders to deepen bonds of friendship and collaboration, and to share collective wisdom and experiences.

The chairperson of the event, Emeritus Nigerian Professor of Science Education, Olugbemiro Jegede, told Adesina: “You have the whole of Africa represented here. Every Primate represents a region. Behind these Primates are millions and millions of Anglicans who are listening to us here.”

Noting that Africa accounts for nearly a third of the more than 780 million people worldwide who are hungry, the African Development Bank president said agriculture is critical for the diversification of economies, and for the transformation of rural areas, where over 70 percent of the population of Africa live. “It is clear therefore that unless we transform agriculture, Africa cannot eliminate poverty,” he insisted.

Adesina said Africa has 65 percent of the uncultivated arable land left in the world, to feed 9.5 billion people by 2050. Therefore, what Africa does with agriculture will determine the future of food in the world. “Essentially, food is money. The size of the food and agriculture market in Africa will reach $1 trillion by 2030.”

Adesina briefed the Primates on the Bank’s $25 billion program to transform agriculture by providing high performing agricultural technologies for 40 million farmers and making Africa food self-sufficient by 2030.

He shared the Bank’s successes in helping member countries tackle the negative effects of climate change, through financial investments and its flagship Technologies for African Agricultural Transformation (TAAT) program.

According to the Bank president, TAAT has helped Ethiopia to become a net exporter of wheat within five years, and it has significantly increased Sudan’s wheat production, as well as supported countries in Eastern and Southern Africa to continue producing food in the face of a prolonged drought.

For Nigeria, Adesina said, “Together with the Islamic Development Bank and the International Fund for Agricultural Development, we have provided $520 million to support the establishment of Special Agricultural Processing Zones, which will allow private agribusinesses to establish industries that process and add value to agricultural commodities.”

In addition, the Bank provided $134 million to Nigeria for emergency food production to help drive down food price inflation, by significantly boosting the local production of wheat, and cassava, under the national Agricultural Growth Scheme.

Adesina urged the Nigerian government to take advantage of the Bank’s investments and support for African farmers; show greater determination and commitment to achieving food self-sufficiency, and to incentivize private sector agribusinesses.

To support Africa’s ambitions to move up the global agricultural value chains, the African Development Bank Group and its partners, are supporting the development of 28 Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones (SAPZs) l in 11 countries, with $4.5 billion dollars mobilized so far.

Speaking on behalf of the Chairman of the Council of Anglican Provinces of Africa and Bishop of Northern Zambia, the Most Reverend Albert Chama, the Archbishop of the Anglican Church of Kenya, the Most Reverend Dr. Jackson Ole Sapit, called for greater cooperation between the Bank Group and the Anglican Church.

“The African mind must be at the center of solving African problems. If the African Development Bank mobilizes resources for the African continent, and the Church also mobilizes resources for holistic transformation, we can achieve a lot working together – and make a difference,” Ole Sapit said.

Proposing solutions for agriculture in Africa, Adesina said the world desperately needs “visionary and passionate leaders who are strategic solution providers and transformational change makers.”

This includes, he said, public advocacy for robust government policies to end hunger and malnutrition, complemented by church-led food banks and other social protection programs for the poor and needy; investing in commercial farms, especially in rural areas; advocacy on issues of climate change; supporting and encouraging young Africans to engage in agricultural entrepreneurship; and demanding greater financial accountability, public probity, and better financial management from governments.

Mohammed Shosanya

Sasakawa Africa Association (SAA),an international NGO,has introduced rice farmers in Nasarawa State to cost- effective harvest technologies to reduce post-harvest losses.

Dr.Godwin Atser, Country Director of SAA, stated this at the “Brown” field day organised at weekend for farmers in Lafia, and Doma Local Government Areas of state.

He explained that the training of the farmers on the mechanised harvest system is part of the African Development Bank’s (AfDB) Policy and Human Resource Development Grant (PHRDG 1) being implemented by SAA in Nigeria and Benin Republic.

The country director,who was represented by the Mr Idris Garko, Coordinator of the PHRDG 1 in the state, said that having trained the farmers to improve their rice yield using technology and best agronomic practices, it became imperative to introduce them to mechanised harvest method that would help to reduce post-harvest losses.

According to him, studies have shown that rice farmers in Nigeria incur between 10 per cent to 35 per cent post-harvest losses using the traditional method of harvesting.

He, however, explained that with the use of simple machines like motorised reaper and thresher, such losses would be drastically reduced.

He added that the technologies would save the farmers cost in terms of labour and time, and ensure they got quality rice grains from farms for marketing.

He noted that although the machines are expensive and not readily available, SSA had identified indigenous innovative fabricators that could produce effective local versions of the imported machines and link up farmers to them.

“As part of this project, we recently brought these fabricators together in Lafia to interface and see how they could produce these machines and the outcomes of that engagement was quite impressive.

“We also link up the fabricators to dealers in spare parts for the machines to ensure easy assess,” he said.

He said that the farmer were encouraged to form cooperatives where they could pull resources together to acquire the machines since they might be too expensive to acquire individually.

“As a group, the machines would also become a source of income for them. Apart from using it in their farms, they could generate revenue from it by using it for other farmers outside the group and be paid,” he said.

He further explained that the technical team of SAA would be on ground within the next two years to guide the farmers on the operations and routine maintenance of the machines.

Some of the farmers,commended SSA for the intervention and expressed commitment towards acquiring the machines.

Mr Yusuf Kuje, a rice farmer in Alagye in Doma, said that the effectiveness of the machines in harvesting and threshing was unbelievable.

“You can see that a plot of rice farm that could take 10 persons almost an hour to harvest using the manual traditional method was done in just about 10 minutes with the use of the motorised reaper machine.

“The thresher is another interesting machine that saves more time and energy that would have been dissipated in beating the rice. It threshes the dried rice and the grain come out very clean.

“I will work closely with other farmers in my community to leverage the opportunity provided by Sasakawa to link us with the fabricators in order to get our own machines, ” he added.

Besides,Mr Abdullah Otsonu, a rice farmer in Assakio, Lafia, said that given the effectiveness of the machines, rice production would become more exciting and interesting to the teeming youths in the community.

Mohammed Shosanya

Governor Biodun Oyebanji of Ekiti State,says his administration will soon establish a state-of-the-art cassava farm spanning 100,000 hectares within the state.

The governor signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with a leading Nigerian investment company – Cavista Holdings (owners of Agbeyewa Farms Limited)

The MOU,which is worth billions of naira was signed by Governor Oyebanji and the Chairman of Cavista Holdings, Niyi John Olajide on the sidelines of the 2024 US-Africa Business Summit currently ongoing in Dallas, USA.

Present at the signing ceremony were the Speaker, Ekiti State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon Adeoye Aribasoye; Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Mr Ebenezer Boluwade; Commissioner for Industry, Trade and Investment, Mrs Tayo Adeola; Commissioner for Finance, Mr Akin Oyebode; and Commissioner for Budget, Planning and Performance Management, Mr Niyi Adebayo.

On the Cavista Team were the company’s Managing Director, Mr. Dele Odufuye, Chief Financial Officer, Mr Niran Olajide, Dr. Niyi Arije (Legal Director) Mr. Cyril Akika (Member of the Board of Directors) and senior management staff of the company.

Also present were Chief Dele Kelvin Oye, President of the Nigeria Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines, and Agriculture (NACCIMA), who is also the Vice Chairman, Ekiti State Development and Investment Promotion Agency (EKDIPA); Chairman, Odu’a Investment Company, Otunba Bimbo Ashiru as well as other key stakeholders from the public and private sectors.

Governor Oyebanji articulated the government’s vision for agricultural advancement, emphasizing the importance of strategic partnerships in driving progress. He underscored Ekiti State’s commitment to creating an enabling environment for investment and urged other investors to explore the vast opportunities available in the state, particularly in sectors such as tourism, mining, and the burgeoning Ekiti Knowledge Zone and Special Agriculture Processing Zone.

He described the MOU as a testament of his administration’s commitment to the continuity of programmes of the immediate past administration of Dr Kayode Fayemi as enunciated in the State’s 30- year development plan. “This also speaks to alignment of vision. John ( Olajide) wants to create jobs. We want our people to prosper by creating opportunities for them. So, we found a good partner in John and the CAVISTA group”,he said.

He expressed gratitude to Cavista for its unwavering commitment to Ekiti State, which has led to several success stories in the Tourism and the Agriculture sectors, bringing about jobs opportunities and income to the state.

“The private sector is very critical to developing our economy, and as a government we must ensure that the process of doing business is easy, seamless and top-notch. I am very proud that Cavista has continued to demonstrate confidence in our state, and all their investments are now success stories. So I look forward to the successful implementation of this MOU to the benefit of Ekiti State and Nigeria”.

Chairman of Cavista Holdings,Niyi John Olajide stated that the company had no regrets investing in Ekiti, adding that its commitment is driven by his desire to create thousands of jobs for the people of the state.

“The success of our investment in Ikogosi Warm Springs Resort and our previous agricultural investment in the state, is what encouraged us to embark on this new cassava revolution initiative, to be driven by our subsidiary – Agbeyewa Farms. We are very proud of our partnership with the state and driven by my personal goal to create thousands of jobs in the state, we look forward to another successful partnership with the Ekiti State government under the distinguished leadership of Governor Abiodun Oyebanji”. He said.